Completely DOA
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 134
Likes: 20
From: Danville, CA
GLS450
Completely DOA
We have a 2017 GLS with 115k miles. Last night my wife told me that her key wouldn't work, I figured maybe her key battery was shot.
Today I go to start the vehicle and it is completely DOA. Never seen anything like this before. No power to accessories or to engine, seats won't move, door locks won't work. Nothing.
Anybody seen this before? Seems worse than just. a dead battery, and we had both replaced in the past two years.
Will try to jump start later but not optimistic, prob need a tow.
Today I go to start the vehicle and it is completely DOA. Never seen anything like this before. No power to accessories or to engine, seats won't move, door locks won't work. Nothing.
Anybody seen this before? Seems worse than just. a dead battery, and we had both replaced in the past two years.
Will try to jump start later but not optimistic, prob need a tow.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 134
Likes: 20
From: Danville, CA
GLS450
Just to update - if this happens to you and the vehicle cannot shift into Neutral, you need to request a special tow from Mercedes when they jack your car onto dollies in order to avoid damaging the tires and 4WD. The AAA truck was unable to provide this service.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 134
Likes: 20
From: Danville, CA
GLS450
Bad news, extensive water damage, probably from a blockage in the roof gutter that eventually leaked to floor under both front seats. $1 grand to tear it apart and potentially $11k to repair. This will be a total unless insurance will cover it.
Sorry guys but this may be my last post. I used to say the GLS was the best vehicle I ever owned but once it hit 100k the repairs were frequent and expensive.
There doesn't seem to be a Goodbye forum like the Welcome forum, so Hasta la vista!
Sorry guys but this may be my last post. I used to say the GLS was the best vehicle I ever owned but once it hit 100k the repairs were frequent and expensive.
There doesn't seem to be a Goodbye forum like the Welcome forum, so Hasta la vista!
Last edited by Boraxo; May 30, 2025 at 10:43 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 70
Likes: 33
From: Aubrey, TX
GLS550, GLE450 Coupe
Boraxo, just curious... was your truck kept in a garage? Was it parked under pine trees? Was this a 'drive-to-work' and park outside vehicle?
The new Lexus GX and LX series look promising 🤷♂️ Sayonara!
The new Lexus GX and LX series look promising 🤷♂️ Sayonara!
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
That said, there's no excuse for a design that mixes water and electronics under the carpeting or is so delicate that it can't be parked outside. I guess I better dump mine while they are still running. And, as someone who has driven trucks, it's certainly not a truck! In fact, pickup trucks barely qualify.
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That said, there's no excuse for a design that mixes water and electronics under the carpeting or is so delicate that it can't be parked outside. I guess I better dump mine while they are still running. And, as someone who has driven trucks, it's certainly not a truck! In fact, pickup trucks barely qualify.
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
1.) - your car does NOT NEED a "Special Mercedes Tow". It needs a qualified tow truck driver.
2.) - did you try jumper cables?
3.) - yes, our car (GLS) has died, dead dead. In every instance it was parked for extended periods in a windy environment (an issue we have gone over again and again with the ride systems).
2.) - did you try jumper cables?
3.) - yes, our car (GLS) has died, dead dead. In every instance it was parked for extended periods in a windy environment (an issue we have gone over again and again with the ride systems).
